I just recently heard the story of a comedian that had come to my church. He told us that he was a good kid and did the right things and lived what seemed to be a good life. Then things went wrong by age 21 he had a massive stroke which crippled his legs and for a couple years. He was at a loss he had no control over what was happening in his life. I think that sometimes we forget how much control over life we do not have and how fragile life and health are. He however didn't sit in pity for himself he believed that he would get through it and his resolve came from a higher purpose. He survived through his faith. Through this tragedy something bigger happened it caused this man(Joey) to build more character and be thankful for the important things in life.
In life their are unexplainable tragedies that happen and as Aristotle says on page 2 "The tragedies of modern poets fail in the rendering of character; and of poets in general is often true." He also says "For tragedy is an imitation not of men, but of an action and of life, and life consists in action, and its end is a mode of action, not a quality. Now character determines men's qualities, but it is by their actions that they are happy or the reverse." What I got from this is that tragedies are unavoidable but it is how we deal with them that defines character of a man or woman. The actions we take in response to a tragedy can either make or break who we are and who we can be. Do you accept that you have no control over tragedies, take control of your own behaviors and learn? I don't want to seem heartless, there is a time for grieving but there is a time to learn, grow and move on.
Monday, September 14, 2009
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This story reminds me of a quote from a book i've read recently: "Like anything else in life, I just had to decide what to do with what I was given." I agree with you, that there is a time for greiving and then there is a time for acceptance and moving on. This man can directly attest to this quote; he could have done nothing and learned nothing from his stroke, but instead of wallowing the rest of his life, he decided to make something of it. He used it to further himself, and that I think is something truly magical.
ReplyDeleteThe quote about action from Aristotle was perfect for this particular story, and Joey's story really helps to enhance what Aristotle was trying to say. With no action, we no longer live, and it is important to have some sort of action, whether you are a character in story or a living, breathing person.
This story reminds me alot of the interview I read and posted on the blog. I agree with you and think that when tragedy does strike it is ultimately a learning tool for us to take in whatever direction we feel is best. I think alot of people sit around and pity themselves waiting for others to come to the rescue, but there is truly nothing no one can do to make anything better if the person themself isnt willing to try. I love how this man didn't do that. At such a young age people have the tendency to do this and for him not to shows alot of young people out there what is possible.
ReplyDeleteI loved the quote you used from Aristotle, "For tragedy is an imitation not of men, but of an action and of life, and life consists in action, and its end is a mode of action, not a quality. Now character determines men's qualities, but it is by their actions that they are happy or the reverse." This fit perfectly with this story and this is exactly how we build character. Yes, good things happen that we take with us in life but alot of the times the bad and heart breaking ones stick with us longer. You have to take action in your own life in order to get results that make you happy.
As I've read this story, I've remembered the saying:"what doesn't kill us makes us stronger". Eventhough I like to believe that everything happens for a reason it is still hard for me to comprehend why some people have to go through so many difficult trials. He has accepted his trial with the great strength and courage. I don't believe there is magic, he has created miracles by taking his fate in his own hands. Very small fraction of people in the world would be able to do what he did. He is a strong Character and his actions are more than admirable!
ReplyDeleteIn relation of this story to the "Poetics" of Aristotle, I could relate with this saying of Aristotle:"A well-constructed plot, therefore, be single in its issue, rather than double as some maintain. The change of fortune should be not from bad to good, but reversely,from good to bad. It should come about as the result not of vice, but of some great error or frailty, in a character either such as we described, or better rather than worse. The story of this comedian seems like a well-constructed plot, based on words of Aristotle, mentioned above, luckily this Hero has enough strength and courage to change his fortune from bad to good.
This is really inspiring to me because it is something everyone can relate to as it reminds us all that if we aren't happy with the way things are going in our lives, we can choose to DO something about it to make it better.
ReplyDeleteAristotle's quote that you had used fits this story very well as the comedian had chosen to deal with the unavoidable tragedy. Through choosing to deal with the problem, he has become a happier person.
This story is truly inspiring. As I read this I could not help but to think about all the things that happened and the reaction Joey could have had to it all. Yet, he didn’t at all; he took what he had left of his life and truly made the best of it. I think it is really neat that he can still stay positive and look for the little things in life to now make him happy. There are many people out there that could not be able to do that. To be honest I am not sure if I could have the reaction he did if it had happened to me at age 21. This story goes perfectly with Aristotle’s quote on tragedy because this is for sure a tragic event. Also, the way the plot lies out and the suspense that it leads you into it almost takes a different turn. Overall, I really enjoyed reading this passage; I think it has a lot of meaning behind it.
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